Demonstrations erupted throughout the West Bank last night as protesters displayed solidarity with Gaza and celebrated the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier by Hamas, which many hope can be parlayed into a release of Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations reportedly took place in Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarem, Nablus and East Jerusalem.

Protests throughout the occupied West Bank last night were the largest and most widespread displays of solidarity with the besieged Gaza Strip since 'Operation Protective Edge’ began 14 days ago. At least 66 Palestinians, including many children were slain on Sunday morning, in what many have dubbed a massacre in the Shufaiyya neighborhood of Gaza City. More than 500 Palestinians have been killed and over 3,000 injured.

Demonstrators clashed with Israeli soldiers in Hebron. Soldiers opened live fire on the crowd and used rubber bullets, according to a local source. Issa Amro of Youth Against Settlements reports at least 25 protesters were injured, 16 of which sustained bullet wounds. No fatalities have been reported.

Around 10:30 p.m. news spread that an Israeli soldier had been kidnapped. Members of the Al-Qassem Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, have released the name and military I.D. number of the soldier they claim to have kidnapped. The protests grew in size and took a more jubilant tone as demonstrators celebrated the news of the captive, according to Amro. Israeli officials have denied any of their men have been abducted.

In 2011 Hamas traded the release of kidnapped Israeli solider Gilad Shalit for the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. There are currently 5,000 Palestinians detained by Israel.

"Three days of mourning"

Peaceful demonstrations took place today in downtown Ramallah. Meanwhile, shops across the West Bank are closed and public employees are not going in to work. The High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel has also called for a "global strike" today in solidarity with Gaza.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for "three days of mourning" in Palestine. In the same statement, released Sunday, Abbas implored the international community to intervene on behalf of the besieged enclave and ensure the imposition of a ceasefire. Flags will be lowered at all public buildings in the occupied West Bank and in Palestinian embassies abroad for three days in remembrance of the lives lost in Gaza.